Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

Car journeys are never easy at the best of times. So here are some tips to help take the strain out of your holiday drive.

Keeping the kids entertained on the long car journey is no easy feat. It's often tense for both parents and children. And let's face it, in-car entertainment is probably the last thing on your mind during the pre-travel packing rush.

It's only when the kids start getting restless and board that you regret not packing their favourite music CD or storybook. So get your holiday off to a good start this year with some well-planned entertainment that will keep active brains amused and tempers on an even keel.

Take Traffic Jams in your stride

To begin with, pre-empt cries of 'Are we nearly there yet?'by being honest about the length of the journey, especially with older children. Depending on their age, try and provide as much information about your final destination, how long it should take to get there and things to look out for on the way.

Appoint an older child as map reader, asking them to point out road signs. In fact, why not put the onus on the kids to tell you when you're nearly there! For younger children and babies, think about their daily routine. Arrange feeds and naps at their normal time and make sure that everything is to hand. Plenty of drinks, light snacks and their favourite toy to cuddle are essential. Don't make the mistake of packing special toys in the suitcase. You'll only end up stopping the car and digging them out of the boot.

If possible, consider travelling at night. The motion of the car will rock the children to sleep, and there will certainly be a lot less traffic on the road, effectively reducing your journey time. If motoring by day is really the only option, prevent boredom by providing plenty of entertainment for the children.

For youngsters, a box of crayons, books and small handheld toys are a must. Why not keep a stash of toys, reserved especially for long journeys, in the car boot? Travel games are essential for keeping the kids amused. While 'I-Spy' and 'Count the red cars' may be okay for short periods of time, make sure you have plenty of other resources to hand. Story and music tapes are a great way to pass the time. This is where personal stereos are invaluable. They prevent squabbles and allow adults to listen to the radio as opposed to endless renditions of 'The Wheels On the Bus'.

Other alternatives include the old faithful 'I Spy' books, and crossword and puzzle books available from most bookshops. A host of other observation travel games are available from stores. Colouring or sticker books keep the kids quiet for ages, but don't let them play with these for too long if they tend to suffer from motion sickness. The best games are when they are looking out the window. How about employing one of the children to take photos of the journey with a disposable camera and another to write a diary?.

Going more hi-tech, Game-Boys are a favourite with older children and take up very little space. DVD players, either built-in or portable, are a godsend on long journeys. The kids will forget the time of day while watching their favourite film or one chosen especially for the trip. If everything else fails to entertain the kids, a good sing-song always has the knack of lifting spirits over the final stretch of the journey.

The golden rule for any long car journey with children is to keep them well feed and entertained. But don't over clutter the car with toys and food, and avoid bombarding them with lots of activities all at once.

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